Gianfranco Zola waits on a gross response

GIANFRANCO Zola’s approach to his departure from West Ham will be decided when the club respond to the League Managers’ Association’s request for a written explanation of the termination of his contract, which they expect at the weekend.

With reports that his £1.9million compensation clause is at risk due to his “gross misconduct”, it is probably best not to bank on the spoken word.

For instance, in August 2007 co-owner David Gold suggested his ability to continue at Birmingham following a Carson Yeung takeover was different to the situation with Roman Abramovich and Chelsea. “Who’d want Ken Bates around anyway, in all fairness?” said Gold . “I think there’s a big difference between Ken Bates and David Gold.”

In November 2006, Kevin Blackwell was sacked by Bates at Leeds and initially denied compensation after Bates said comments to the press represented “gross misconduct”.

Zola may struggle to spot the chasm between them. At least he has an impressive support network in the revamped LMA under Richard Bevan.

However, the group are developing their influence beyond fighting legal battles.

They have built up a “bible” of more than 40 issues over the running of the game with which they will badger the relevant authorities.